Why Schools Do Not Release ASVAB Scores to Military Recruiters

An increasing number of schools are not releasing Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores to military recruiters. In 2004, 3.8 percent of test scores were not released, compared to 13.91 percent in 2011. The decision to release scores is made by school officials. Policies are being made at the school district level and at the state level to ensure that schools do not release scores to military recruiters. Students, parents, and patrons in school districts are primarily concerned with the issue of student privacy when scores are released. Aided by advocacy organizations, local school districts and state legislatures have approved policies and passed laws that restrict schools from releasing ASVAB scores to military recruiters. When scores are not released to military recruiters, it makes it more difficult for a recruiter to contact students who are qualified for military service. As a result, students may not receive information about career opportunities available to them in the military. The Army has not achieved its goal in quality student enlistments since 2002. When scores are released, that list provides military recruiters with a list of pre-qualified leads. The original document contains color images.